With the FA Community Shield clash against Manchester United on the horizon, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will be taking a stock of his squad.
Guardiola will perhaps finally have a clearer idea than before about which players he has at his disposal to embark on yet another season where they hope to accomplish greatness.
The Manchester City boss would have been searching for such a sense of clarity throughout the summer.
However, Pep Guardiola will likely be made aware of more potential incomings and outgoings that could occur for him to manage his squad accordingly.
Such is standard procedure for every manager during the summer.
Especially at the top level, where summer business is expected to occur year after year.
A player at Manchester City who may no longer be available for selection come the Community Shield is Julian Alvarez.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Atletico Madrid intended to sign Alvarez on Tuesday.
Notably, Guardiola detailed City’s transfer plans after Savinho’s acquisition — admitting that only in the case of a player leaving the club, such as the Argentine in this instance could a signing be made.
- Man City summer transfer window 2024: Confirmed signings, departures, loan exits and releases
Ornstein shares the step Atletico Madrid have taken to sign Alvarez
On Tuesday, David Ornstein revealed that for Alvarez, Atletico Madrid and City agreed an £82 million fee.
However, the renowned journalist had also specified that the deal would only be struck if personal terms were agreed with the 24-year-old.
It seems like Diego Simeone’s side have taken yet another step in their pursuit of the two-time Premier League — who Pep Guardiola once referred to as an “extraordinary player” while speaking to TNT Sports.
Now, David Ornstein has claimed that Alvarez has agreed personal terms with Atletico Madrid ahead of his move to the Spanish capital this summer.
Ornstein has reiterated that doing so was the “final step” after the fee was agreed between both clubs.
Manchester City should have Julian Alvarez replacements in mind
Whether that is by having a list of transfer targets or potential in-house solutions, Manchester City should be aware of how they will replace Alvarez, who looks set to join Atletico Madrid now.
The former River Plate striker has played an important role in City’s success in the past two seasons and it would be a risk not to have a sense of clarity on how his exit will be made up for.
Alvarez’s potential exit from the Etihad Stadium is by no means a massive blow, as all in all, he was a rotational option as it was crunch time during both of his campaigns as a Sky Blues player.
But as a squad player, the Copa America winner was top-notch and one whose departure must be planned for, especially due to his knack of providing crucial goals and assists.
